Rob MacDonald, Senior Transportation and Infrastructure Planner

I have worked for ECC since 2005, my first main employment after leaving university. Working across a number of jobs and offices including Passenger Transport contract management, Student behaviour, sustainable school travel advisor and Highways Liaison officer. I have worked in my current role since 2015.

While I drive, I have always been keen to travel sustainably where possible. There will always be a need for cars however providing options for those who can travel sustainably, especially for shorter distances provides better transport links and provision for those who need to drive.

I have been lucky in my career to work with so many great people and those relationships motivate me to do my best. I enjoy making a difference and making people’s lives better – you can’t underestimate the difference you can make to people by providing the freedom of bikes or places to walk.

Essex Pedal Power is a project close to my heart – we provide free quality bikes, accessories and training to our most deprived communities. While people look at this as a free bike scheme, it is much more than that as the bike is the enabler to opportunities. This could be access to employment, education and facilities to fresh air, exercise, reduced isolation, and friendship groups. The scheme has a positive impact on peoples physical and mental health while watching people getting their bike you can see the delight and hearing the impact this has had on their lives is impossible to put into words.

Being a Mental Health first Aider is also a passion of mine, it allows me to listen to people and provide support. While I don’t always have the answers being able to listen to people and allow that space to talk, I feel makes a big difference. People will always come first over deadlines. (can I say that out loud?!)

I have been lucky to work with so many people who have influenced me at different stages of my career. Most of my managers have allowed me the flexibility to work independently and the freedom to express myself. My Dad has influenced me from an early age, but I would also need to mention Lynda Welch who truly believed in me from the beginning and Alan Lindsay who I have worked with for over 10 years and has been supportive especially over this family stage of my life. My children and Wife are key to (mostly) everything I do.

Despite my name people are usually surprised I am Scottish until I am wearing my kilt! I did want England to win the euros though – especially the Arsenal boys!

I really don’t like deep water – think I watched Jaws when I was too young!! I did go snorkelling in the middle of the sea between Egypt and Saudi Arabia last summer which I still can’t believe and will never do again!

Rik Mayall, Rowan Atkinson, Ian Wright, Arsene Wenger and Arnold Schwarzenegger

Power of healing – mind and body – I hate not being able to help people or remove the pain.

Curry, Mexican, chocolate, cheese and bread – can’t cope if there is nice bread in the house

I worked in some tough Industrial jobs in between university breaks – the worst one was moving boxes the size and weight of me – I did one 4 hour shift and could not move for a few days – they wanted me to do two weeks!

Essex Pedal power the next phase is top of my agenda – I’m also very excited for our family trip to Croatia in August!